Oklahoma's fallen heroes

Staff and Wire Reports

As the President talked about the Iraq War's fifth anniversary Wednesday, Oklahomans remembered their fallen heroes who have fought and died in Iraq.

More than 70 brave men and women from Oklahoma have been killed in Iraq. No part of the state has been untouched by this war from Guymon to Madill to Tulsa.

Twyla and Chuck Roberts' lives changed one year ago when they learned their 21-year-old son, Lance Corporal Trevor Roberts had been killed.

 "The sacrifices that Trevor and the other soldiers made are something that we don't want to forget and we need to stay until the job gets done," Chuck Roberts said.

The Roberts will observe the one-year anniversary of their son's death next Monday.

Meanwhile, leaders of the Oklahoma House and Senate honored the state's veterans Wednesday.

Hundreds of veterans -- many in wheelchairs or walking with the aid of canes -- crowded into the state House gallery with members of their families for a joint session of the House and Senate that marked the fifth anniversary of the United States' invasion of Iraq.

"Our country is currently at war once again," House Speaker Chris Benge said. "Today is in fact the first day of the sixth year our country has been fighting in Iraq."

Benge, R-Tulsa, said 72 Oklahomans have died in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, 64 in Iraq alone. In addition, 521 have been wounded in action.

"When America was in danger, you were the first to respond to the danger," Benge said. "Americans are a peace-seeking people, but that peace has been achieved through strength in times of international conflict, and that strength can only be projected because of your willingness to put your lives on the line."

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